THE COMMONWEALTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12244, 16 February 1918, Page 9

THE COMMONWEALTH.

THE DEFENCE COMMISSION.

STARTLING MISMANAGEMENT

REVEALED

By Telegraph—Presa Association—Copyright

(Received February IC, 2 p.m.)

MELBOURNE. February 16

The report of the Commission inquiring into the management of the. Dpfence department states that enormous losses are likely to be sustained by the Commonwealth owing to the serious mismanagement of the Department. The Commission recommends the reorganisation of tho whole business affairs of the Department, and calls for the appointment of a board of expert business men to take full control The report severely criticises tho policy of appointing men trained only as soldiers.

The report states that in 1915 tho Commonwealth proposed to equip and dispatch three additional divisipns to tho front, yet, although owing to an alteration of plans only one was sent, the supplies for three divisions continued to pour in, and accumulated to such an extent that notwithstanding the issues since made, tho enhance stores arc still greatly overstocked.

At the end of August, 1917, boots, jackets, greatcoats and greatcoat material, valued at £2,000,000, wore held in stock, being £1,250,000 in excess of requirements. A meeting of the- Cabinet decided to follow- tho Commission’s advice and appoint a Board of Administration, consisting of three business men.